"Um, Master..."
I look up to see Mac standing in the doorway, looking decidedly nervous. I guess seeing an alicorn near-literally blow up would do that.
"Yes, what is it?", I ask with a soft voice. I don't want to startle Cadance. She's barely calmed down, even now.
"The Guard is here, and, uh, your butler asked for you to come to him."
Right, nearly forgot about those bastards.
"What's your name?"
I can't just call him by his name out of the blue, after all.
"I... I don't have one, Master. We're told only our owner can give us one, if they want to."
Deep, deep breaths. Am I really surprised by this? Anyway.
"Your father has an apple emblem right?"
Yeah, cutie marks are called emblems here. Not that I have a problem with that, to be honest.
"Y-yeah, he does, why?"
"What do you think of Macintosh?"
"Macintosh?"
"Yes! Not only is it an apple, it's also the original name of the Alban Hills, where it is rumoured a very large and influential earth pony community was located, maybe even the original earth pony colony, Earth."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
Why does he look so surprised?
"Why?"
I raise an eyebrow.
"Why what?"
"Why would you name me that?"
"Uh, I'm sorry if you don't like it. I can offer you something else if you want. Or you could choose by yourself."
"No! It's perfect!"
"Then why...?"
"Why would you give me such a good name?"
Oh. Obviously. How thick can I be?
"Because everypony deserve a name they can love and be proud of."
"What about all the others? I've heard the names masters give their slaves."
*sigh*
"Sometime, what we have is not what we deserve. Some deserve to be happy but only have misery, while others should be miserable while living in the lap of luxury. I'd like to do something about it, but I can't. Not yet. Do you believe me when I say that?"
He looks down, for a moment, rubbing one of his legs, and then looks up.
"...Yeah, you did swear by Harmony. I guess you're not anything like the inbred leeches up the mountain."
"Thank you, Mac."
He looks rather weirded out by the name, but still definitely happy. I guess he was still pretty wary even after the talk I had with his parents.
"Now, Mac, I have a very important task for you."
His ears fold on the back of his head. Um, better try and reassure him.
"It's not an order, or a command, or anything like that."
"What is it, then?"
I tilt my head toward Cadance, still in my embrace, still trembling and quietly sobbing.
"I want you to help her. I don't want her anywhere near the monsters that did this to her, so if you could stay here and comfort her, I would be very grateful."
Surprise again. It would be hurtful, if I didn't immediately remember what him, and others like him, have been through.
"Um, sure, I can do that."
"Good. I leave her to your care then. Be sure to be very careful."
I slowly disentangle myself from the pink filly, making sure I don't startle her. I motion Mac to come replace me as I disengage from the hug. It's not long before we switch place, and Mac looks really awkward. He's probably way out of his depth. Not that I can blame him for that. He's probably not much older than me, maybe even younger, since he's rather tall as an adult, he might be tall for somepony his age.
I lean toward Cadance and tell her in a soft voice:
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon, and when I do, those who did this to you will never be able to harm you again." I look at Mac. " Will you be alright?"
"Eeyup."
Eh. I guess Mac is still Mac, no matter where or when.
I nod at him and then proceed to the lobby of the "shop".
"Hail, Sire!"
The guards all salute me as I enter the room.
"At ease sir. You wanted to see me Proper?"
"Yes, Prince. The guards need a verbal order to make the arrest official."
"Very well. These three, and I presume all the other employees, are to be arrested on the account of sexual violation of minors, as well as other charge that will have to be determined."
"Understood, Sire. What shall we do with them?"
"Um, I just told you, arrest them."
"Prince Solus," Proper interjects, "they are asking for your judgement."
"Judgement? I'm not a judge!"
"Actually, you are. You can do whatever you wish with them."
Really? So I can just punish them, without bothering with any judicial procedure? Sweet! But...
Ugh, I can't do that, if I do I'd be no better than Corona. Fuck damn it!
"I want them to be tried in court."
The officer looks confused.
"A trial, Sire?"
"Yes, a trial. They might lower themselves by ignoring the law of the land, but I won't. They'll be given a trial so everyone can see their guilt and that the trust invested in me and the Empress is warranted."
"Understood, Sire. Men, bring these criminal scums to the dungeons!"
"Officer, I also want you to find the spell anchor for the filly those two were harassing."
He salutes.
"Yes, Sire!"
*sigh*
What a mess. Still, I got Cadance and Big Mac, and I know where Applejack is. I'm sure Corona doesn't understand the advantage she just gave me.
"Let's go home, Proper."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Fuck social convention. Can't let a slave in the carriage, he says. It would be a scandal, he says. Yeah, and she just nearly got raped, what do I care?
If only Proper was on my side, things would be so much easier.
At the very least, thanks to the Guard accompanying us back to the Castle, the trip was swift and uneventful.
"Proper, could you go tell the Empress that I'll be late for the feast?"
"My Prince, you cannot-"
"Yes I can. I am sure she will understand when you tell her what occurred today."
"Very well, Prince."
He leaves, and I turn to the other servants.
"As for the rest of you, I'd like to have my privacy with my new acquisitions."
And with that, the rest of the staff leave the room. Good.
"Is she any better, Mac?"
"Not really, Master."
*sigh*
"Unfortunately, I can't stay. I gave myself a little leeway with Proper, but I'm still expected to make an appearance. It is my own birthday, after all." I give Mac a little smile. "You don't have to call me master when we are in private, by the way."
"Uh, but-"
"No but. Call me Solus."
Is that going to become my catchphrase or something?
"Okay, Mas- Solus."
"Thank you. Anyway, come with me and bring her with you."
He tries to do as I said, but Cadance refuses to walk. Or stand. Poor thing. I help Mac lift her up and I guide them to the bathroom. The bathroom is a rather large room with a golden tub and shelves full of herbs and perfumes and whatnot. And that's it. Oh, the money the Throne could save...
"What are we doing in here Ma- Solus?"
"This is the bathroom."
"Bathroom?"
"Yeah, this where you take a bath, wash yourself, you know?"
"No. My owner just threw water at us until we smelled less."
I wince. I hate being insensitive like that, but being a prince and a former human with a much higher tech level and expectations makes it much harder not to be.
"Sorry, I'm just not used to the whole... slave thing. I didn't even know slavery existed until today."
"Are you serious!?", he shouts.
Well doesn't he look happy. And so does Cadance. I hold her a little tighter to reassure her.
"Yes I am. I hadn't even seen any earth ponies before today. And I was stupid enough to think that earth ponies were only 'servants'. If I had known..."
"Oh, uh, sorry, I shouldn't have shouted."
"No, it's okay. If you weren't angry I'd be worried something is wrong with you. At any rate, let me draw your bath."
I use my magic to pump water into the tub. Yes, pump, did you think they had that kind of plumbing? Fortunately, it doesn't take that long to fill up the bath. I take a set of mobile steps and place it close to the tub. Mac climbs on it and place his hoof in the water.
"Brrh, it's cold!"
"Of course it is", I reply with a slight chuckle. "I haven't heated it yet."
He scratches the back of his head, sheepish.
"Oh, okay."
Now, for the hard part. Usually servants bring hot water from boilers, the same that heat up the public bath of the Castle. I don't have the time, strength or desire to do it that way. Thus, my only option is a heating spell.
Deep breaths, reach for the mana. Push it out, inside the water. Ignis!
The word isn't necessary, but it help focus the mind on the desired effect, in this case "fire", or more accurately, heat.
"Try again. It should be hot enough."
He dips his hoof again.
"Yeah, it is! That's amazing!"
"That's magic for you. It's not for nothing it's so easy for the nobles to believe they're superior."
"Uh, they aren't, right?"
"Of course not. It doesn't matter if you have power, it's what you do with it that does." I take a bottle from one of the shelves. "Here. This lotion will make it easier to wash your coat. Pour it directly on your skin and rub. Don't try to make yourself entirely clean, it's unlikely you'll be able to do so. When the water becomes too dirty, flush it by removing this", I point at the plug. "When you're done, use the cloths suspended there to dry yourself. Did you get all that?"
"Eeyup", he says, nodding.
"Good. Once you're done, find my bedroom. According to Proper, the servants prepared beds for you at the foot of mine. I'd rather provide you with real bed but-"
"It's okay. S'not like the ground is any better."
"Right... Anyway, do you have any questions before I go?"
"I don't think so."
I clap my hooves.
"Perfect! I'm already way too late as it is, didn't even get dressed, oh she'll be so pissed..."
"Go, Solus. Don't want you to get in trouble on my account."
"Right!"
I rush outside, passing by my dressing room and getting my regalia in my magic, putting it on as I run toward the Ballroom.
"Sire!"
"Open the *uff* door, please."
"Are you sure?", one of the guard asks me.
"Maybe *ufff* give me, a minute."
Oh, this isn't good. Now I'm late and improperly dressed. Let's face the music.
"Open the door."
They open it and I trot inside.
"Finally decided to join us, Our son?"
Oh, stuff it, you witch.
"Yes, Mother. I'm dreadfully sorry, Mother."
I quickly reach the dais and the head table, but Corona stands before I can go around and take my seat.
"We heard that you had quite the interesting day."
"Y-yes, Mother."
Corona lift her gaze to look over the guests.
"Dear subjects, hear Us! Our son, all on his own, brought justice to those that would seek to subvert the Imperial Order! Those that would seek to abuse their privileges for their own gain are a taint that must be purged from the Empire! Hail to you, Prince Solus!"
"Hail!", the nobles chorus out.
"Now, sit and enjoy the rest of the evening! You deserve your respite."
I do as she says, and as soon as I do she leans toward me.
"You lived up to your potential today, Solus. Continue to do so and make me proud."
Fuck you. Like I'd fall for that again.
"Thank you, Mother."
"How are your new acquisition?"
"Well, Mother."
"Good. Solus?"
"Yes?"
"Disappoint me and I will confiscate them."
...
Oh, callise! Why didn't I think that...
Why do I keep my hopes up that you might you might have a heart, somewhere deep down?
"Yes, Mother..."
Never. By Harmony, you'll never hurt them.
And one day, I'll make sure you won't harm anyone else. One element at a time.
You know, Nightmare moon may have wanted to kill all life on the planet, but at least she wasn't a bitch.
Corona is a bitch. I almost want to sing the bitch song from south park.
Oohhh, NOW I see what his end goal is. Yeah, you definitely have re-acquired my attention. Sneaky author, you.
i kinda read the trope thing and, basically the unreliable part is only dependent on how you look at the author? huh...
oh im looking foward to the new barrers of harmony
Yeah despite what you wrote I still say that Solus is a story moron, aka he's a moron cause the story demands it.
Solus is a grown man in a foal body who has seen Game of Thrones he should have seen this a mile coming also Corona assaulted a foal, her own foal without issue this alone says what kind of person she is even if you make so that she had no choice or some other crap you make up, she's dangerous as all fucks.
8295197
Would you put up with it? Especially if you have no guarantee that Corona is mentally stable and she won't just decide one day that making a potential rival was a mistake and try to kill you?
8295210
Maybe, being a all powerful nearly immortal prince sounds like a good gig, even if it didn't last forever, but in either case I would be smarter then Solus having knowledge of a grown man in a child body and the universe I live now.
Imagine being reborn but you keep all the knowledge you accumulated when you were alive, you wouldn't live your life the same way.
I would give Solus some leeway, but I say it again Corona assaulted her own foal.
8295210
I dunno if you watch anime but I recommend Youjo Senki, it has a similar premise a full grown being reborn with his mind intact and he uses that to his advantage in the best of ways.
Sadly it's mostly hyped cause it has a loli with guns or a Nazi loli as the say.
8295238
What would you do, then? She clearly demonstrated a willingness to hurt him for the slightest offence. Worse, he can make the reasonable guess that the only reason he was born was to fight Luna. When he does, what is she going to do with him? His only option is to fight her if he wants to be certain he'll survive.
Also, would you be willing to let all the horrible things in Equestria continue? Especially when you're the one with the best chance to change it? If you had accused Solus of being too upstanding, I would have understood, it's one of my fears that he is. But stupid? He's in the story, living it. He tries to do the best he can with the information he has. It might be easy to call him stupid from an outsider's perspective, but he's only human. He's not a manipulative genius or anything like that. He's just some bloke from Earth. He might be more intelligent thanks to the new brain he has, an alicorn one at that, but what could you reasonably expect him to do?
8295202
Possible after all she is demented enough to attack her own foal, or she could just electrocuted him or used some pain spell as it wasn't described what was happening to Solus, and let's not forget the main rule of magic a ain't got to explain shit it's magic.
8295257
I'm not calling him stupid for what he's doing, but how's he doing, but yeah you have a point he could have been American which would explain this level of stupidity and he did die young, like twenty or something, i completely forgot his back story.
As for myself I dunno, it's something you have to experience to learn what kind of person you truly are, for all i know I would fit right in accept my role as prince and maybe abuse few foals myself, being given that much power could ruin any sane man.
As for the future, it is possible that Corona would kill me but it's also possible that she wouldn't and I would rule by her side for eternity and maybe bang Corona since incest is not that uncommon among nobles and royals.
As for death it wouldn't scare me knowing that souls and rebirth are a thing, after all the only thing to fear is the unknown.
Tragically she's your mother so it's not a surprise that you hope somewhere deep down there is some goodness left in her otherwise worst outcome if the Elements fail you'll be forced to kill her and I'd hope Solus would have enough goodness in him to feel guilt if he did have to kill her.
8295197
I think I like Solus because of those reasons he wasn't some super genius before he died he was just some kid who spoke French and decided to do something moral that got him killed really it'd be a great tragedy if he got used to looking over his shoulder every time he did something of note. A lot more relatable than some politically savvy 12 with an IQ of 150 or some shit.
8295318
Yaeh I completely forgot Solus back story, but still after everything that he learned in his new life and what he experienced he should have been a tad smarter, he might just put those foals into worse hell then they're already were in.
8295135
I'm ashamed to admit I went "Huh?" when I read that comment until I read "Oh I'm looking forward to the new Bearers of Harmony." it struck me I had not considered that the Bearers would be different and that's perfectly me fine with me it's an alternate universe these people have different lives stories it'd be a waste if they all ended with the same personalities so they could be the Mane Six I whole heartedly approve the Bearers Of Harmony will be different people most likely of mix genders.
8295330
That's how you keep a story interesting, how else would he defeat Celestia without making himself OP with the HeLeMenTs oF ARMorY?
8295343
Being smart is not an OP factor unless the character can fully count Pi or pulls knowledge out of his ass.
But being stupid for the sake of the story is just poor writing, like it's often used in cartoons.
Like Applejack telling Twilight to trust instead of telling her that Dash and Shy will catch her or more of a general example when they take running away from things classes from Promtheus.
If you didn't get that, don't run in straight line when being chased by something that can only run in one direction.
I espect a tad more from written stories.
At the beginning I was sort of skeptical about this fic but your regular schedule and the fact that you know where you're going with this story finally won my like.
I just wish Solus wasn't such a goody two shoes and would demonstrate slight cruelty or malice from time to time (nothing too excesive) or be more paranoid about his plan to fight for harmony. He lives with bitch queen of Equestria after all, it must have had some effect on his personality.
8295250
Is there anything else to be hype about there, aside from edgy war-crime commiting loli?
8295360
*Sigh* You do realise that it's a cartoon for little children right, despite some innuendos and hidden humour adults can appreciate. Applejack telling Twilight to trust is exactly that building trust cartoon shows don't need to be realistic.
8295373
From what I recall Tanya didn't commit a single war crime, her opposition did thou, they used Shotguns which were banned for use in war for their cruelty, similar how we have bans on biological or chemical weapons, killing civilians especially those who were told to evacuate is not a war crime.
You're also forgetting that behind that loli is a full grown man so her actions do not make sense for an adult.
Also I'm aware what I wrote above and I'm not ashamed.
Yup, she's got leverage on him now. But with the extra motivation, he's gonna start pushing himself even harder towards "perfection". I'm guessing that Mac will end up in a bodyguard role, not sure about Cadance though... maid? Kinda looking forward to seeing Shining's reaction to Solus' new playmates.
8295374
And in a cartoon I can accept that after all its for kids so some leeway in writing can be given, but ask yourself would you recommend this fic to a child?
For a serious writer who wants to write a serious story with adult themes I espect a tad more.
8295394
Um, no attempted rape of a child is nothing something I'd recommend to a child. Wha do you want exactly from this fic realism? More violence? Solus should definitely learn from this because that makes him relatable.
This is one of the best stories I. Have read on fimfiction! The characterization, the pacing, the setting they all go together so well! Favourite!
I just hope that cadence ends up ok :(
8295407
I exactly want that for Solus to be smarter to learn, Corona attacked her own foal so what he does? Brings in more foals.
That one event should have risen every flag in his head and he just moved past it like nothing happened like bitch you gonna pay for that, granted for grown man that's a normal reaction but she attacked her own foal without batting an eye.
Keep it in mind that Solus is a young adult in a child body.
Thou you did describe Solus pretty well in one comment, a goodie to shoe, one that would fit in a child cartoon.
Shouldn't Solus ask Corona to be more specific on what's considered "a disappointment"?
On the other hand, being "too perfect" might cause Corona to resent her son for out-shining her, sort of like how Lionel Luthor in Smallville wanted his son Lex to be ruthless yet saw him as a potential threat.
8295423
Solus is stuck between a rock and a hard place isn't he? On one hand, he could live for himself with himself being number #1 or he tries to help people and yes it is a question of morality do you rock the boat or go with the flow? Rocking the boat will definitely lead to times in which will think it would have been better to have if he had just gone with it but going with the flow might lead to worse things that would eat him up inside and eventually consume him maybe birthing something worse than Celestia.
He as already done something to Celestia he's disassociated her with the actual Celestia by calling her Corona that means a lot more than you seem to realise. By separating the two he's made it easier for him to go against her.
so new bearers are
big mac
shining armor
cadence
solus
???
???
8295444
Can't disagree there, thou the name disasection is a tad silly cause "Celestia" never was real, the one he knew, the only real Celestia is the one in front of him and she has yet to prove to be a mother, remember Solus is 3 or 4 here... I think. But even then he already had a mother so ehh.
Again it's a case of a teen/young adult being sent to Equestria him being goodie too shoe trying to play the hero, but given his position this should have been played like a game if Thrones.
8295473
Ah but most self-inserts don't have to live in a world where all you learned about the books or show was shat on. It's not confirmed I don't think that Solus was a brony or just someone who knew the basic synopsis of MLP:FiM but everything he knew is now completely useless besides the knowledge of the Elements of Harmony which could be changed with these Elements of Order being mentioned.
8295484
And yet he tries to save the world by gathering the elements and blasting Corona, when he could play the long game buy his time, gain influence and when the times come assassinate Corona in her sleep, or maybe assist Nightmare Moon when she returns or let them fight and kill the winner.
8295501
To be honest neither way guarantees success he could lose either way.
8295506
Well currently he has no plan, so we just have to wait and see.
Hymn .... Got a feeling I know what twilight is gonna be researching. A work around for a certain spell anchor ... spell. Guess he could try to find moondancer or starlight too if there around to work on it. Three heads are better then one. Man wonder if song magics a thing here could sing cadence a song to get her to sleep like -come little children- or Lunas version children of the night. Always liked that video. If corona hears it might even melt some of her dark heart. Before she has solus beat for showing weakness that is.
8295451
Trixie and Starlight are in my opinion candidates.
There are two options as I see it....
1.). Wait till he's older, take her down by force using the Earth Ponies, Pegasus, and Loyal Unicorns.
Aftermath, would mean a LOOOOONG recovery of time and healing of wounds to the land.
2.) Time Spell. Learn it and alter the past, prevent Celestia's fall to Corona by leading her to a more canon path after Luna's fall.
Aftermath: A pretty good chance he would cease to exist, but a sacrifice worth making.
I love this story! I love the daily updates!!! Please keep them coming!!!
8295740
Sunset.
8295758
Number 2 depends on the type of time travel because he wouldn't be able to go back in time if he disappeared so it would merely be creating an alternate timeline.
Ah, he passed an great opportinity to aquire more slaves under his care. Had he deemed the owner of the establishment responsible for the systematic neglect of the Imperial Law he might have confiscated them as property of state and governed by hims truly. This would have been a double whammer as it would have driven fear in the hearts of the slavers in the city that their activities are monitored and laws, be as they may will be upheld.
As for Celestia Confiscating his slaves, maybe this would be time that the prince to be would actually read the laws of his kingdom, specially those breeding laws which prevented him from buying AJ.
Also what is this worrying over Celestia making Solaris suffer as something which is beyond comprehension... corporeal punishments for children are and have been part of society for ages and only nowdays people are starting to see them as something evil and not just and loving thing to do. Spare the rod Spoil the child is a sentiment which was seen as very true and one of the cornerstones of parenthood. As for the revolution? Eh sure, if Solaris can maintain power, upheld changes he wants without destabilizing the country. We all remember how the French Revolution went... and how well Nation Building of today is going.
In my opinion, the best plan he could make right now is the waiting game. His best hopes for changing everything would be Luna, the Crystal Empire, Discord (depends if he's violent or not in this universe), and maybe even Zecora, I bet she'd have some form of refuge hidden in the Everfree/old castle.
This universe pretty much implies that all non-pony races are either exterminated, enslaved, or oppressed. Solus could possibly reach out to them, since anything would be better than Corona. I'm thinking the changelings would be the best advocate, since they're the best at working under cover.
8295854
Well, if he took the other slaves as propriety of the Throne, they'd be under Celestia's care, since Solus is underage. He's Crown Prince, not Prince Regnant.
8295867
Maybe, we have not seen what the laws are in the Imperium but he might have been able shuffle them through some loops before Celestia would even been aware of the situation. But then again you as a writer have the 20/20 on the laws and regulations and the story has moved on so it does not really matter.
Still for me there might have been some weasely lawyering to be done there.
8295885
Don't forget he's just six. More importantly, he just learned about slavery this very day. Even if he had knowledge of the relevant laws, it's unlikely the Guard would have obeyed his orders without checking in with Celestia.
8295914
I've got to say on hand it's ironic how I as a reader dislike people questioning your judgement even though your the author I like what I've seen so far and for the most part trust where your taking us, he's six and just learned of slavery there's absolutely nothing he can do about that Celestia at the end of day has an Iron grip on her capitol I doubt there's much that can operate under her snout without her knowing.
Plus I like the challenge it's not very interesting if everything goes his way. Weird statement but I'm actually hoping for no pairing for Solus since in my opinion it makes the friends he's making mean so much more the only pony I could every see Solus with is Maud and that's just because it's an amusing thought
8295930
I welcome criticism, as long as there is substance to it and it's pointed out what exactly I could do better. As for shipping, we'll see, they're all kids, after all. Thank you for trusting my amateur writing skill!
unreliable narrator eh? this ought to get interesting... well i suppose ill be on the look out for any clues
i still feel like im not geting the whole picture but that seems deliberate as well
Well, this was thankfully much less dark than anticipated. I was half expecting this to turn grimdark, what with all the Imperium comparisons you keep making.
Since his name is Solus (def: alone, unaccompanied), I was just waiting for Corona to kill Mac and Cadance in front of him. Glad that didn't happen, and I hope it won't in the future. Grimdark doesn't really suit MLP very well.
8295954
Well, I was going more for the masculine nominative form of Sol, Sol-us. Solarius just doesn't sound right.
8295958
Yeah, I figured that, and I agree that it sounds better. I just thought you might have been using it as a sneaky double entendre. Seems like a very author-ish thing to do.